EDCO Exchange
March 2017
Innovation Article Roundup
KEEP UP TO DATE IN THE WORLD OF INNOVATION!
1. Canada's innovation hurdles - Policy Options

2. More collaboration needed for fintech innovation while still protecting consumers and financial system - Financial Post

3. Innovation Is About More Than The Next Big Thing - Forbes

4. Mimicking a startup won't make your company truly innovative - The Globe and Mail

5. $28.8-Million Innovation Challenge Supports a Sustainable, Innovation-Based Economy - Newswire

6. Canada must seize the moment to lead in tech innovation, Google Canada head says - ItBusiness  

7. Federal government exploring blockchain technology to boost innovation economy - Global News

8. Five reasons to make Ontario a hub of fin-tech cybersecurity innovation - Ontario Centres of Excellence

9. Canadian startup founders on disruptive innovation - CBC's The Current

Small Business Innovation Challenge
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS!
The Government of Ontario has introduced the Small Business Innovation Challenge (SBIC) to support the growth of high-potential, technology-driven small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the province.  

The SBIC targets Ontario's for-profit SMEs that have no more than 500 employees and demonstrate the capacity to develop an innovative technology/solution that could lead to a globally competitive business and market opportunity.

Through the SBIC, participating SMEs will be provided with opportunities to develop and implement innovative technology solutions to challenges identified by the Ontario Government. SMEs may also be invited to conduct real-world demonstration testing using the government as a testing ground.

The overall objectives of the SBIC are to:
  • Engage Ontario's start-ups and SMEs in solving pressing public sector challenges
  • Provide SMEs with an opportunity to develop, test, and demonstrate their products to a real-world challenge
  • Increase commercialization opportunities for SMEs through direct funding support and applied demonstration opportunities to prove the value of their innovations to domestic and global markets
  • Provide a stronger footing for Ontario SMEs to compete domestically and abroad in both the public and private sectors

Full program overview and application.  

Measuring Up! Toolkit Now Available!
INTEGRATE PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT INTO ECONOMIC PLANNING
Develops the skills needed to successfully integrate performance measurement into economic planning. The Measuring Up! guidebook from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs was specifically designed for economic development professionals and is now available free upon request.

Request your free copy.
New Reports in the EDCO Resource Library
GREAT RESOURCES ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 
Inspiring Unfettered Innovation - Information and Communications Technology Council

Manufacturers' Outlook 2017: Growth 4.0 - PLANT Advancing Canadian Manufacturing

The Global Gender Gap Report 2016 - World Economic Forum

Upcoming Events
April 11, 2017
Ottawa, ON

Waterloo, ON

May 9-10, 2017
Ottawa, ON

May 16-18, 2017
EDCO Spring Symposium
Thunder Bay, ON

Employment Opportunities
Halton Region
Closing March 29, 2017
 
Halton Region
Closing March 29, 2017

Business Consultant
Halton Region 
Closing April 3, 2017

Contact  Heather Lalonde to post your 2017 employment opportunities with EDCO

The EDCO Team
edco.on.ca